White-billed Diver vs Short-tailed Albatross

In short

The White-billed Diver (Gavia adamsii) and the Short-tailed Albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) are easily distinguished by their habitats and physical features. The White-billed Diver is a large loon with a distinctive white bill, found in Arctic freshwater lakes, while the Short-tailed Albatross is a large seabird with a pink bill, typically seen over the open ocean.

Identification tips

1. Bill color: Look for the white bill of the White-billed Diver versus the pink bill of the Short-tailed Albatross. 2. Habitat: Check the environment; divers are in freshwater lakes, albatrosses over the ocean. 3. Size and flight: Note the larger size and soaring flight of the albatross compared to the diver's more direct flight.

Size

The Short-tailed Albatross is significantly larger than the White-billed Diver, with a wingspan that can exceed twice that of the diver.

Plumage

The White-billed Diver has a white bill and a more streamlined body with a black and white pattern during breeding. The Short-tailed Albatross has a pink bill and predominantly white plumage with black wingtips and a golden wash on the head.

Behaviour

White-billed Divers are often seen diving for fish in freshwater lakes, while Short-tailed Albatrosses glide over the ocean, rarely seen diving.

Habitat

White-billed Divers inhabit Arctic freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers, whereas Short-tailed Albatrosses are pelagic, found over the North Pacific Ocean.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a reliable field mark for these species in typical birdwatching scenarios.